BORO today announced a lucrative seven-figure shirt sponsorship deal with Ramsdens which will run until the summer of 2014.

The deal also includes Ramsdens' logo appearing on club shirts throughout March, April and May of this season in addition to the current four-month deal that runs through to the end of January.

Ramsdens, which has its head office and 10 of its 80 branches in the Tees region, is the largest family-owned pawnbroker in the UK.

Neil Bausor, Boro’s chief operating officer, said: “This is our most important sponsorship deal and is a significant boost in our quest to get the club heading back towards the Premier League as quickly as possible.

“The deal is very much an evolution from our groundbreaking monthly sponsorship approach, which has ultimately helped us secure a first-class partner for the next three-and-a-half years.

“We are delighted to have secured such an excellent partner in Ramsdens, who we have forged an outstanding working relationship with since they joined us as our third monthly shirt sponsors earlier this season.

“They are great people to work with and we are proud to be associated with a Teesside business that is enjoying great national success.

“We now have a Teesside chairman in Steve Gibson, a Teesside manager in Tony Mowbray and a Teesside sponsor in Ramsdens, with all three passionate about taking the club forward.”

Peter Kenyon, Ramsdens' chief executive, revealed that the increasing Teesside elements within the club - including the return of Tony Mowbray - led to the company deciding to strengthen its bond with the Boro.

He said: “The change of manager to Tony Mowbray, meaning a Teesside club led by a passionate Teesside chairman and Teesside manager, attracted us to cement a longer term relationship with the club.

“It is at the heart of the Tees Valley community and we wanted to be involved.

“With 10 branches across the Teesside area many of our loyal, long-standing customers are fans of the club and we had some great customer feedback on our involvement so far.”

Boro have negotiated a deal which includes add-ons should the club return to the top flight during the period of the sponsorship agreement.

Kenyon believes that Boro can restore themselves among the elite.

He said: “We have faith that the club can get back on track, hence our willingness to sign up to a long-term deal now.”

Meanwhile, Boro have been forced to train indoors as a result of the snow which has fallen over the last few days.

It’s nothing new - Boro trained indoors in the build up to the home game against Cardiff City - which they won.

Mowbray is expecting a similar test against high-flying Nottingham Forest at the Riverside on Boxing Day.

He said: “It’s a very tough game, but one we are looking forward to.”

Mowbray is hoping that Nicky Bailey recovers from injury in time to return to the squad.

Meanwhile Boro have already sold 1,500 of 2,387 seats for the New Year’s Day derby clash with Leeds United at Elland Road (1pm kick-off). Tickets are priced £29 (adults), £19 (over-60s) and £15 (under-16s).

Tickets for Boro’s FA Cup third round clash at Burton Albion on January 8 (3pm) are on sale to season card holders and Boro Pride members from today with general sale from December 29. Prices are £18-£20 (adults), £15-£17 (over-65s) and £8-£10 (under-16s). Boro have received 280 seats and 1,170 terracing tickets for the tie.